Chevy Luv Overheating

[Jazzbo1]

Recently bought a 1978 Chevy Luv. Fired up the motor and noticed that within 10 minutes or so the Temp gage is almost buried in the red zone!

 

Here's what I've done:

 

Replaced the Thermostat (180 degree Thermostat)

 

Replaced the water pump

 

Replaced the top and bottom radiator hoses

 

Flushed the coolant system

 

Since I wasn't sure it was really overheating, I replaced the sending unit. (that was fun.)

 

The gauge still indicates it's overheating.

 

Any ideas?

[txab]

You ever consider the gauge might be the culprit?

[autobob01]

Had a couple of these trucks back in the day. The 1.8 and especially 1.9 engines were known for having head bolts that would stretch over time, thereby developing a leaking cylinder head gasket. Often the aluminum head would warp as well so new bolts and a gasket weren't an easy fixing. Remove the head and have it checked for warpage and have it milled if necessary, replace the gasket and use new bolts, do not reuse the old ones. And a LUV is a great little truck for hauling your dirt bikes into the woods.